Program Coordinator

Background 

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is undertaking a program that seeks to strengthen the capacities of Bio-Medical and Development institutions, including those involved in vaccine development in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, to enable them to effectively deliver on their mandate and achieve tangible results. The program will provide support to institutions, including those that are (i) working in drug discovery, (ii) working on vaccine discovery or development, or are intending to build such capacity and/or (iii) start-up institutions aspiring to provide scientific/technical guidance to scientists and logistics coordination to science project managers. The primary outcome expected from the Program is to have mature and well-run institutions fostering sustainable progress in their communities. 

ACBF seeks the services of a Program Coordinator to manage all aspects of the program.  Operating under the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary of ACBF, the Program Coordinator will report to the Director of Programs, and will be responsible for managing the Secretariat of this Program, including coordinating program activities; supervising staff; and coordinating the monitoring and reporting of the program.  A key responsibility of the Program Coordinator will be to identify, vet, select and manage Best-in-Class expertise that would provide services for capacity needs assessment and the implementation of the Customized Capacity Improvement Plans to strengthen the institutional capacity of supported institutions. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

1.   Lead ACBF’s capacity development interventions in supported institutions and coordinate engagement with key institutional and other stakeholders and provide guidance during launch of the programs, on expected results and on the role of each partner and stakeholder. 

2.   Coordinate, the overall budget management, work planning, administrative requirements, monitoring and reporting of activities throughout the program cycle, in line with set out program work plan and partner requirements. 

3. Proactively identify constraints and obstacles to the implementation of the program in liaison with the program team and report on issues to Management to ensure that effective mitigation measures are undertaken. 

4. Develop partnerships to ensure the participation and involvement of relevant stakeholders in program activities for an inclusive, participatory, and transparent program delivery. 

5. Coordinate the identification and hiring of Best-in-Class program consultants and experts to complement ACBF’s internal capacity for conducting work on specific activities of the program and for ensuring proper delivery of technical services and submission of technical and other reports. 

6. Provide leadership to the program team in drafting the necessary technical documents concerning program design, implementation, and monitoring, such as policy papers, results frameworks, work plans and other documentation. 

7. Compile all the necessary information and program data, and produce monthly, quarterly, and annual program progress reports to ensure smooth implementation of activities and timely submission of reports to ACBF Management team and partners.  

8. Ensure that all activity expenditures are in line with approved budget and are charged to the correct and approved budget lines. 

9. Maintain program records and ensure they are complete, up-to-date and in line with the program requirements. 

10. Provide support to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of program results in line with the program results framework, with focus on key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms. 

11. Establish learning opportunities and platforms for the supported institutions, including training, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and networking opportunities to strengthen the supported institutions’ research capacities and ability to respond to emerging health emergencies and demands. 

12. Perform any other duties assigned by the Executive Secretary. 

Required Qualifications, Experience and Competencies 

Selection will be competitive based on the following candidate profile: 

• Advanced degree in a field related to international development such as Economics, Public or Business Administration, Development Studies, Social Studies, or any relevant field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in institutional capacity development; program management, design and implementation of projects/programs; program monitoring and donor reporting.
• Strong research background and ability to glean relevant information from various documents to produce quality technical and policy reports and knowledge products.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written and proven ability to prepare reports clearly and concisely, present, discuss and defend issues, findings and recommendations.
• English and French are the working languages of ACBF. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Good working knowledge of French is an added advantage.
• Ability to effectively use software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Experience with project management in ERP systems would be an asset.
• Knowledge of current trends, and practices in public health, drug and vaccine development is desirable.
• Experience working with international organizations in the bio-medical field is an added advantage.
• Experience in the implementation of internationally funded projects will be a distinct advantage. 

Core Competencies 

• Leadership
• Planning and organizing
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication
• Respect for organizational, intercultural, and ethical values
• Learning and Innovation 

 Please note, only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. 

We strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. 

ACBF is a smoke-free environment.